11/09/2010

Chocolate Candy Bar Squares

I think it safe to say there are probably a lot of you that still have an over abundance of Halloween candy. With 3 trick or treaters in my house, I have a brown grocery bag full.

Here is my dilemma with the leftover candy. As I have gotten older, I have lost the urge to eat a candy bar all by itself. Not that they aren't delicious, it is just that I am left with an unsatisfied feeling. I need the candy chopped and sprinkled over ice cream or turned into a milkshake, mmm-- Butterfinger milkshake:P

This year I wanted something different. I have seen recipes out there for Halloween Candy Bark, but I wanted something more, something with a base. So, I made a graham cracker base and poured a chocolate filling over it, then sprinkled my favorite chocolate candy pieces and bars all over it. Wow! This was eye-popping unbelievable! I got to taste every candy flavor in a single bite. Chocolate, caramel, peanut butter, white chocolate, crispy cookie, rice cripsy all in a slice of pure Halloween candy heaven. And the extra credit...this is very kid friendly, no baking involved.

So needless to say, I am quite happy to have leftover Halloween candy this year because I will be making these again, and again, and again.

Note: Keep the M&Ms whole. When cutting the Butterfinger it will crumble.

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil leaving some to hang over the sides so the bars can easily be removed.

In the bowl of a food processor, process the graham crackers until they resemble sand. Add the melted butter and process again to coat the crumbs with the butter. You should now have a wet sand. Add the graham mixture to the prepared baking pan. Using a piece of plastic wrap, press the mixture firmly and evenly in the pan. Set aside.

In a medium microwave proof bowl add the chocolate chips, condensed milk and the pinch of salt. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir to combine. Microwave for another 15 seconds and stir until the chocolate chips are completely melted. Stir in the vanilla. The mixture will be thick and fudgy.

Pour the chocolate mixture into the center of the pan over the graham cracker base. Using an offset spatula, gently spread the mixture from the middle to the edges in one motion. Do not spread back and forth. It will cause the chocolate to pull up the graham cracker base. Once the chocolate has reached all the edges, gently even the top. Sprinkle the candy over the chocolate layer and gently press the pieces into the chocolate.

Refrigerate the bars until the are firm, about 3 hours. To serve, lift the foil from the pan. Slide the Chocolate Candy Bar Square from the foil onto a cutting board. Cut into 2-inch squares (or bigger if you'd like). Eat cold or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!